On October 24th, 2018, we announced that Redbubble acquired TeePublic (see the original post here). We feel this union will have an overwhelmingly positive impact on our industry. In particular we think it will improve your experience as independent artists, help to prevent art theft, and help us all progress how we work together with rights holders in a way that encourages creativity.
Both TeePublic and Redbubble rely on your contributions to our platforms - both platforms rely on the trust and faith of the world’s largest community of independent artists. That trust is something earned, not given. Together, we intend to keep on earning it every day. We hope that you will see this partnership as one that strengthens the collective voice of independent artists around the globe and are as excited as we are to use that voice to shape the future of independent art.
We know you have questions about what this means and have tried to think of some of them in advance. As this is unfolding now we won’t know all the answers immediately, but we’ll be sure to let you know as soon as we know by updating this content.
- How will this improve the artist's experience?
- Are TeePublic and Redbubble merging websites?
- Is there a way to upload once and share my designs on both sites?
- Do we have to reformat our designs for new products?
- Do I have to sell on both sites or can I choose just one?
- Will this change how much I get paid?
- Will I be paid separately by Redbubble and TeePublic for my commissions?
- What are you doing to prevent art theft? And how do Redbubble and TeePublic together create a better solution to this problem?
- How will you progress in engaging with rights holders?
- Some fanart properties require exclusivity to Redbubble’s platform. Does this acquisition mean that I can post my work on both Redbubble and TeePublic and it’s ok?
- How come content that is approved on one site is disapproved on the other?
- If my work has been removed on RB for IP, can I add it to TP?
- What shipping partners will Redbubble and TeePublic use?
How will this improve the artist's experience?
Our intention is to enable streamlined uploading of works to both sites from one location. This will take time to plan, build and finalize - we’ll update this channel as we know more.
Are TeePublic and Redbubble merging websites?
Both websites are going to continue serving similar segments of the market in their own unique ways. TeePublic will continue to operate independently with its own staff, headquarters, and platform.
Is there a way to upload once and share my designs on both sites?
Our intention is to enable streamlined uploading of works to both sites from one location. This will take time to plan, build and finalize - we’ll update this channel as we know more.
Do we have to reformat our design for new products?
For the time being, shops on Redbubble and TeePublic will remain completely separate. Our ultimate intention is to enable streamlined uploading of works to both sites from one location drawing on the strengths of each respective platform. This will take time to plan, build and finalize, but we'll make sure to keep all our collective independent artists abreast of any and all changes.
Do I have to sell on both sites or can I choose just one?
Both sites will continue to operate independently. While we'd love you to consider opening shops on both, the choice is entirely up to you.
Will this change how much I get paid?
There are no changes to how you get paid on either site. Check out our Redbubble Artist Margins FAQ.
Will I be paid separately by Redbubble and TeePublic for my commissions?
Payments to artists will remain the same. This means that you will still receive separate payments from Redbubble and TeePublic. We will update the artist community if and when any of these things change.
What are you doing to prevent art theft? And how do Redbubble and TeePublic together create a better solution to this problem?
You pour creativity and passion into your designs and when they are stolen and profited on by others, a true injustice has occurred. But with our powers combined, we can share data and define industry-wide who are original artists and who are thieves, essentially creating our own art crime database. This partnership will ensure Redbubble and TeePublic will become the safest place to host and sell your art on the Internet.
How will you progress in engaging with rights holders?
You all know the print-on-demand art space has experienced legal issues around IP. We hope that by joining forces we can make better progress in how we interact with rights holders. Not only can we help rights holders identify theft of their IP, but at the same time, we hope to find ways to help passionate fans connect with the brands that they love. We ultimately want to work with rights holders in ways that encourage creativity and believe we are better positioned to do this work together.
Some fanart properties require exclusivity to Redbubble’s platform. Does this acquisition mean that I can post my work on both Redbubble and TeePublic and it’s ok?
At this point, the fan art properties that require exclusivity to the Redbubble marketplace will continue to require this exclusivity. We will be working with rights holders to broaden your ability to create for the brands you love and will keep you closely informed as these partnerships evolve.
How come content that is approved on one site is disapproved on the other?
At this point, Redbubble and TeePublic will be maintained as two separate brands. Rightsholders may have different agreements with each brand and therefore may allow certain content on one site but not on the other. We will be working with rights holders on this moving forward and hope to be able to provide a more seamless experience for artists in the future.
If my work has been removed on RB for IP, can I add it to TP?
Both TeePublic and Redbubble take IP issues very seriously. Each site will continue to monitor and moderate works according to their respective policies and agreements with rightsholders.
What Shipping Partners will Redbubble and Teepublic use?
Redbubble and Teepublic will maintain independent operations and continue to facilitate the highest quality shipping service to the artists' customers as possible.